5 Plant-Based Foods that Will Help You Build Muscle

When many people think of vegans and vegetarians, they typically don’t associate them with muscles or, let alone, body builders. But contrary to popular belief, plant-based eaters don’t have to be scrawny, weak, or sickly! In fact, many vegans and vegetarians are quite the opposite, like this 78-year-old vegan body builder! And, just last year, a vegan strongman lifted a record-breaking 1,212.54 pounds over 32.8 feet, while yelling “Vegan Power!” Now, that’s impressive.

It’s important to note that not all individuals are created equally, and gender, age, weight, etc. all play a factor in your muscle-building dietary journey. For most, protein is a key part in gaining and maintaining muscles. To build muscle “requires the consumption of 1.2 – 2.0 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight,” according to vegan bodybuilder Robert Cheeke via Chocolate Covered Katie. And to maintain it requires “0.8 – 1.2 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight.”

To intake such a high amount of protein isn’t an easy feat, but it is required to help you bulk up. Try breaking up your eating times to small meals several times a day. And let’s not forget the other two important macronutrients, carbohydrates and fats.

Carbohydrates gives you quick energy for intensive workouts, while fats helps slow down your body’s absorption of these carbs so that you can have constant energy.

“A 30/30/40 ratio of Protein/Fat/Carbohydrate is a good starting point and will help you achieve your bodybuilding goals,” according to Iron Age. And remember, if you are intaking a greater caloric intake, it is important to maintain a regular exercising and strength training schedule. You don’t want those excess calories to turn into fat.

So, the next time someone thinks the words “vegan” and “muscles” together is an oxymoron, show them your “guns.” You are about to get strong like Popeye the sailor with these five plant-based foods that will help you build muscles. Time to let out your roar: “Vegan Power!”

Did you know that just one cup of whole almonds provides 30 grams of protein and 71 grams of “good” fat! Go ahead and go nuts. Add some into everything you can.

2. Tempeh & Tofu

These two plant-based meat alternatives are great muscle-building foods. Both are versatile and can soak up the flavors of sauces, vegetables, and what’s cooked with it. Tempeh is easier to digest because of its fermentation process. But, both soy products are amazing substitutes for meat-laden dishes. Thought you’d never have Chinese food again? Think again. Try this Vegan General Tso’s Tofu or this Vegan Sesame Tofu for a Chinese dine-in night. One cup of tempeh gives you 30.78 grams of protein! Incorporate this traditional Indonesian staple into your diet more frequently.

Tempeh is a staple in Indonesian cuisine and tastes great in this Tempeh Reuben Sandwich. For a heartier fare, how about trying these finger-licking Tempeh Ribs. Who knows? You might even fool your meat-eating friends.

3. Quinoa

The U.N. recognized 2013 as “Year of the Quinoa.” Quinoa looks a lot like rice, and many cook quinoa like any other grain. However, quinoa is actually a seed! It can grow to become a leafy vegetable if it’s not harvested. This super food is a complete protein, with all nine of the essential amino acids the body can’t always produce on its own.

Did you know? There are over 120 varieties of quinoa! Even the pickiest eater could probably find one type of this super food they like. One cup of cooked quinoa provides 8 grams of protein – a complete one at that! Quinoa is also a great source of carbs that won’t burn you out during a long, intensive workout.

4. Seeds

Seeds, including flax, chia, sesame, and sunflower, are packed with protein and “good” fats. Add a tablespoon of flax or chia seeds to your post-workout smoothie for the ultimate recovery drink. Both flax and chia seeds have a nutty taste to them, with flax being more prominent. Both flax and chia seeds contain lots of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.

Try this Chia Strawberry Smoothie, which is great for breakfast or pre/post-workout. Snacking on sunflower seeds or adding them to a salad is a great way to incorporate seeds into your diet. Or, learn how to make Sunflower Seed Milk.

5. Beans & Legumes

The combination of beans and rice make for a great complete protein. Beans and rice, of course, also provide you with the necessary carbohydrate fuel you need to keep going in a work-out. How about trying some hummus like this Spicy Sweet Potato Hummus or Pumpkincredible Hummus? Just one cup of chickpeas used in hummus boasts 39 grams of protein, 121 grams of carbohydrates, and 7.7 grams of unsaturated fat. Or try some lentils in this hearty Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie or this incredibly delicious and filling Lentil Loaf. For a lighter fare, try this vegetable lentil soup.

Whether you are beginning or continuing your journey towards building muscle like the Hulk, take these five plant-based foods into consideration. Your body will thank you!

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113 comments on “5 Plant-Based Foods that Will Help You Build Muscle”

Great tips. I used them in planning my meal plan this week in addition to a bunch of other muscle building recipes from this sick app called SideChef. I’d definitely recommend it it http://www.sidechef.com/download

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Very good article, but I am not sure about - To build muscle “requires the consumption of 1.2 – 2.0 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight,” because another vegan or raw food bodybuilder says something different. But Robert Ch. is the proof, that it probably works. In my case it also works to build muscles on raw food diet, you can check out my progress ;-) http://www.rawmanrawoman.com/21-muscle-and-weight-growth-on-raw-food-7-month-progress.html

Great thinking to add Quinoa in your plant-based muscle-building foods! Quinoa is a total and absolute source of protein that is why it is also ideal for Vegetarians. Actually, Quinoa contains more protein that Brown Rice, Oatmeal or Beans and it is also full of Amino Acids (e.g Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, etc). Furthermore, there are many ways we can eat Quinoa as we can either eat it plain as it is in a bowl or we can combine it with meat, fish or put it in a salad. http://www.lifetoliveit.com